Zit Zapping Master Class
“Out damn’d spot!” –Lady Macbeth (Macbeth, William Shakespeare)
In addition to death and taxes, one of life’s certainties is the untimely appearance of a huge pimple just before a big event, such as a holiday party that you want to look your best for. This often happens because the additional stress one experiences this time of year, often accompanied by insalubrious late night partying, can trigger skin problems that even the most scrupulously followed skin care routine cannot avert. When an enormous zit rears its ugly head, emergency measures are required in order to prevent a complete dermatological disaster.
Minimize redness and swelling
The first step is to reduce inflammation by icing the pimple. I suggest that you place an ice pack on your skin for 10-15 minutes two or three times before retiring for the evening. For even greater efficacy, make green tea ice cubes; green tea contains powerful, anti-inflammatory antioxidants and is a natural astringent.
Pimples thrive on bacteria, which you must get under control if you are to win this battle. My favorite natural bacteria-killing substances include tea tree oil and bee products such as honey and propolis.
Kill bacteria
Tea tree oil is great for treating acne and can work like a charm for treating a pimple fast. Try using tea tree infused cleansing pads on your problem areas to keep pimples from erupting.
If you have raw organic honey on hand, you can mix it with lemon juice and dab it on the offending pustule. Honey is naturally antiseptic yet moisturizing; it will soothe redness and prevent excessive dryness while killing acne aggravating bacteria.
Propolis, the waxy substance bees use as glue and disinfectant should be in everyone’s pimple-fighting arsenal. One of my favorite products, Sandra Cope’s Clear Skin treatment, which contains both propolis and salicylic acid (another great zit zapper). It works like magic in shrinking pimples quickly.
Dry out the pimple
To remove a pimple fast, you need to dry it out with a targeted treatment, such as a clay pack. If your skin tends to be on the dry side, take care to apply the clay to the afflicted area only and leave on overnight. Tip: adding a drop of tea tree oil can enhance the effects.
Personally, I cannot live without my Gunilla of Sweden Organic Clay Treatment, a product that can dry out pimples with remarkable speed and keeps new ones from cropping up. This treatment works wonders on chin-area; its high zinc content encourages skin healing and reduces scarring.
If you’re prone to deep, excruciating cysts, I recommend Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment, which is almost as effective as a cortisone injection from a dermatologist in shrinking cysts.
Medical assistance
If you’re at your wit’s end dealing with a monstrous pimple that refuses to subside, then I suggest that you schedule an emergency appointment with your dermatologist for a cortisone shot. Injected directly into the cyst, cortisone immediately abates inflammation and swelling. However, too strong a dose can lead to scarring and this treatment should be reserved for extreme cases.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.